Qatar Airways has fitted SpaceX’s Starlink Aviation inflight connectivity solution to a Boeing 777-300ER (A7-BEV) and become the first airline in the world to fly the aircraft variant with the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-powered IFC service.

The Doha-London flight took place today, on 22 October 2024, and bears the distinction of also being the first Starlink-equipped passenger aircraft to fly in the MENA region.

“Passengers can now stay entertained and connected throughout their journey, streaming their favourite shows and live sports, enjoying online gaming, or working seamlessly at 35,000 feet  — all completely free of charge,” says Qatar Airways in a statement which it published in-flight via Starlink on the 777.

Data transmits over phased array antennas atop the fuselage (see a quick glance of the fittings in Qatar’s new video about the Starlink-fitted 777 flight). A Qatar Airways spokeswoman confirms that two antennas are in play on the 777.

Financial terms of Qatar Airways’ arrangement with SpaceX have not been disclosed.

Qatar Airways says it will fit Starlink to a total 12 777-300s by the end of the year, and the entire 777 fleet within 12 months. This is a notably aggressive equipage schedule for the airline. Its Airbus A350 fleet will follow in the summer of 2025.

Qatar’s remaining fleet is also understood to be in line to be fitted with Starlink, with the aim of powering free Wi-Fi for passengers.

Starlink is replacing Viasat (formerly Inmarsat) and its Global Xpress-supported service at Qatar Airways.

SpaceX is certainly proving a disruptive force in aviation, having snagged Air France, United Airlines, WestJet, Hawaiian Airlines, airBaltic, and ZIPAIR as commercial customers, as well as a bevy of business aircraft operators. Its order book stands at over 2,500 aircraft.

Feature image credited to Qatar Airways